R360 Players Hit With Decade-Long Exclusion from National Rugby League

Rugby league's authority has declared that athletes who enter the “counterfeit” R360 league will be banned for a decade.

R360, set to start in October 2026, is hoping to draw athletes from both codes with substantial agreements and a reduced game calendar.

Top NRL athletes have allegedly been contacted by R360, which will include six to eight men's sides and women's teams based in major cities worldwide.

Samoa's the player, who is with his NRL club in the league, has stated he has had talks with the breakaway league.

Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, Payne Haas and Gray are also believed to be thinking about signing the rebel league.

Eight major rugby union nations, among them Australia, recently imposed a restriction on R360 recruits appearing in international matches.

“We heard our clubs and we've responded strongly,” stated the league's chairman the official.

“Sadly, there will always be groups that attempt to hijack our sport for potential financial gain.

“They don't invest in talent pipelines or the development of athletes. They only leverage the dedication of existing bodies, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves.

“They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.”

R360 is established by retired international Tindall and supported by independent financiers.

Following the potential rugby union sanctions were revealed last week, it said: “We seek to cooperate in partnership as part of the worldwide fixture list.

“The event is structured with bespoke schedules for male and female sides and the organization will allow all athletes for international matches, as specified in their contracts.”

R360 will seek approval for its proposals from World Rugby, rugby union's regulatory group, at its official gathering in the coming year.